You’re in a spiritual battle, and the Lord wants to equip you to be victorious! In this battle, the Bible gives us a clear picture of who we are up against in our spiritual walk. Today, let’s explore what Scripture teaches about our adversary and why understanding this battle is vital for our walk with God. The Apostle Paul explains the invisible battle.
Ephesians 6:1010 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. [1]
God Reveals the Enemy Tactics
Part of overcoming our enemy is understanding that God is with us, and it is essential to wear spiritual armor. Like many, I didn’t realize I was engaged in a spiritual battle until I matured as a believer. Satan is cunning, powerful, and relentless, seeking to destroy us, as the Bible demonstrates.
Paul reminds us that our adversary is clever. The term “strategies” is derived from methodeia, meaning satan has a variety of ways to target us, especially when we might be feeling weak.[2] He tends to strike when we’re idle, discouraged, doubting, overconfident, alone, busy, or tired. Recognizing this helps us stay alert and defend against his tactics.
Spiritual Warriors Put on Armor
As God reveals our enemy and tactics, He emphasizes wearing spiritual armor for the battle. If you’re struggling, ask God to help you put on the armor.
- Belt of Truth: The belt, like the armor’s foundation, symbolizes truth and integrity, aligning us with God’s truth.
- The Breastplate of righteousness: Believers have been made righteous through the blood of Jesus and want to live in uprightness and integrity.
- Shoes: To stand firm, a warrior needs shoes representing the Gospel of peace, ready to share Jesus’s good news. With the shoes of peace, the believer can stand firm in any circumstance.
- Shield of Faith: Faith in God and His promises is the crucial defense against the fiery arrows of the enemy, such as doubt, fear, and temptation.
- Helmet of Salvation: The helmet protects our minds, assuring believers that God will fulfill all His promises.
- Sword of the Spirit: This is the soldier’s only offensive weapon, which is the word of God and the work of the Spirit in us. To use the word effectively, we must rely on the Spirit.
To find out how you are in a spiritual battle, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/following-jesus-into-battle
[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Eph 6:10–13). Tyndale House Publishers.
[2] Thomas, R. L. (1998). In New American Standard Hebrew-Aramaic and Greek dictionaries : updated edition. Foundation Publications, Inc.